Photos: Foundation stone laid for first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi

SANAA, April 21 (YPA) –  The United Arab Emirates (UAE)  authorities on Saturday laid the foundation stone for the first Hindu temple in the Gulf region to be set up in Abu Dhabi.

The official Emirati agency “WAM” reported that the foundation stone ceremony was held in the emirate of Abu Dhabi in the presence of a number of Emirati ministers.

The ceremony was presided over by Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, the organization, which is building the temple, along with other priests.

Indian Ambassador Navdeep Suri attended the event in the presence of over 2,500 Indians from the UAE and across the world.

According to the decree of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, the temple will be created.

The temple will be built near the Emirate of Dubai and Abu Dhabi Highway, on an area of 55 thousand square meters.

E.M